South East Edmonton Seniors Association Expansion

South East Edmonton Seniors Association Expansion

Recommendation:
That Community Services Committee recommend to City Council:
That Administration consider funding $500,000, in 2008 for South East Edmonton Seniors Association,Project 08-21-5822, when reviewing projects eligible for funding from the Municipal Sustainable Initiative (MSI) or other sources.

Report Summary

This report provides options on how the City of Edmonton can provide $500,000 in 2008 to South East Edmonton Seniors Association (SEESA) for their capital expansion project.

Previous Council/Committee Action

At the December 2007, City Council Budget meeting, the following motion was passed:

That Administration prepare a report for the January 21, 2008, Community Services Committee meeting, on potential funding sources to support the South East Edmonton Seniors Association expansion in the year 2008.

Report

  • South East Edmonton Seniors Association is planning a $1.5 million capital expansion project in 2008. This project will allow the seniors centre to more effectively serve the current and future needs of seniors in southeast Edmonton.
  • The Facility expansion project will provide an additional 5,733 square feet of interior space to the west side of the building and 50 additional parking stalls. Improvements includeadditionalprogram space, parking improvements,improved and enlarged kitchen/cafeteria space, and improved and additional support space for storage and office.
  • Plans for this project were initiated in spring 2005, for several reasons:

-the seniors centre was operating beyond the 700 member base it was originally designed for; and

-some social and program needs could not be met withlimited space.

  • Completed work includes:

-community consultation through membership surveys, and meetings with Holyrood Community League andHolyroodSchool;

-a successful fundraising campaignwhich achieved a goal of $500,000;

-conceptual drawings; and

-plan circulationto stakeholders.

  • SEESA’s expansion project (capital project profile 08-21-5822) was submitted for consideration in the 2009 Capital Budget as Administration was directed that no new projects could be submitted in the 2008 Capital Budget.
  • SEESAwas incorporated on June 17, 1980. For over 25 years the association has operated as a membership-based organization providing outreach, social and recreation programs and services to adults aged 55 years and older.There are currently over 750 members.
  • Located at 9350-82 Street, SEESA leases the facility from the City of Edmonton for $1/year.
  • The City of Edmonton purchased the building from the Catholic School Board in 1991, to be used by SEESA. At that time, SEESA contributed $127,750 to the City of Edmonton, towards the purchase price of the building. SEESA’s financial statements indicate an annual expense of $6,400, over 20 years, to write-off costsassociated to that purchase.
  • SEESA currently has a 20 year lease with the City of Edmonton that will come up for renewal in 2011 or sooner if renovations are completed before that time. Asset Management and Public Works currently performs all building and ground maintenance without any recovery of those costs. In the new lease agreement SEESA will be responsible for all operating and capital costs.
  • Southeast Edmonton is already experiencing a significant growth in the seniors’ population. According to recent census information, seniors aged 65 years and older represent over 18.5% of the total population for that area.
  • SEESA supportspartnerships with the community and City of Edmonton through sharing program space, meeting rooms and parking.
  • Administration will be reviewing projects eligible for funding from the Municipal Sustainability Initiative in early 2008. A supplementary Capital Budget Adjustment recommending changes to capital projects will be brought to City Council in March 2008.

Focus Area

This project focuses on two corporate focus areas:

  • Vibrant Communities - Encourage recreational, cultural, artistic and entertainment opportunities for all residents.
  • Inclusive Communities - Continue to target programs and services to segments of the community.

Public Consultation

Community consultations were completed by SEESA through membership surveys and meetings with Holyrood Community League and HolyroodSchool. The summary of these survey results have been incorporated into the brochure, “Community for Life Campaign, South East Edmonton Seniors Association Facility Expansion Project”, which isavailable upon request.

Budget/Financial Implications

  • The construction is currently scheduled for April – October 2008. The proposed total budget reflects this timeline, and has accounted for a 2% monthly increase up to that time. If the project is delayed beyond spring 2008, the overall project cost will increase.
  • The overall project budget is based upon funding from each of the following three sources:

-City of Edmonton - $500,000

-Alberta Lotteries - $500,000

-SEESA capital campaign - $500,000

  • The City of Edmonton has been requested to contribute $500,000 in 2008.
  • An application was submitted in September 2007, to the Alberta Lottery Fund, Major Community Facilities Program, for $500,000. Thatgrant application will be reviewed in January 2008. Alberta Lotteries requires a letter of commitment from the City of Edmonton for this project to be considered for provincial funding in 2008.
  • SEESA has prepared budget forecasting on future operational expenses and determined that operational expenses, as a result of the expansion and new lease, will be manageable. Future casino revenues and increased fundraising will support increased expenses. Increased revenue from memberships, programs and food services will also offset increased expenses.

Justification of Recommendation
  1. This recommended funding approach will allow Administration to consider this project among other funding priorities that have been identified for 2008. A supplementary capital budget adjustment will be brought forward to City Council for approval in March 2008.
  2. This project supports City Council’s Seniors Portfolio and will enable South East Edmonton Seniors Association to be a more effective “community hub” for seniors in south east Edmonton.

Background Information Available on Request

  1. Community for Life Campaign, South East Edmonton Seniors Association Facility Expansion Project brochure

Others Approving this Report

  • J.Tustian, General Manager, Corporate Services Department
  • P.Tarnawsky, General Manager,
    Corporate Business Planning
  • W.D. Burn, General Manager, Asset Management and Public Works Department

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